West Sacramento in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Rivers’ Flow
West Sacramento River Walk
Prior to European settlement in the mid-1800s, river flows in the valley changed with the seasons: spring torrents followed by low water during the summer. Construction of dams and other flood control measures during the mid-to late 1950s tamed the surrounding rivers’ unpredictable levels, but also destroyed the floodwaters’ natural role in clearing old debris and silt from the channel. Farmlands protected by levees no longer receive nourishing silt provided by periodic flooding.
The Sacramento River followed a meandering course of oxbow bends, islands, and sandbars before the banks were stabilized and fortified to prevent flooding.
Erected by City of West Sacramento.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 34.99′ N, 121° 30.527′ W. Marker is in West Sacramento, California, in Yolo County. Marker can be reached from 2nd Street. Marker is located on the “River Walk” at River Walk Park on the Sacramento River. The park is located at the end of the 600 block of 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Sacramento CA 95605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hydraulic Mining (here, next to this marker); Salmon Cannery (here, next to this marker); First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery (here, next to this marker); Veterans Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Pony Express Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Flood Control (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacramento Skyline (within shouting distance of this marker); Influences on the River (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Sacramento.
Also see . . .
1. Sacramento River. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
2. California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – a short history of big changes. California WaterBlog website entry (Submitted on December 5, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. The American River
Spanish speaking Native Americans called the Canadian trappers traversing the river "Americanos" and referred to the river as "El Paso de los Americanos".
— Submitted February 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,161 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 29, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.